As we enter the summer months...we think of beaches and being warm, but on
August 6th and 7th one team with 30 riders will be riding in the Pan Mass Challenge and thinking of snowflakes, Santa, and most importantly the hundreds of children in the Jimmy Fund Clinic as we ride those hills from Sturbridge to P-Town.
Reindeers on a Ride ...ROAR is a group of special riders who ride for so many different reasons, yet the goal is the same...bring smiles to children's faces during the holiday season.
All proceeds from our ride will go directly to the Jimmy Fund Clinic Winter Festival. A day of magic and joy, a day that children and parents can put cancer aside for a moment and replace it with Santa and special wishes.
Because of Team ROAR, last year the Jimmy Fund Clinic had a magical week of Santa and every bit of joy that comes along with him. He was able to vist with all the children while they received their treatments. He sat with them and listened to everything they wished for. He brought smiles to not only the children's faces, but the faces of the parents, and the faces of all of us staff. It was a week that none of us will ever forget, and always cherish. The funds also made possible a Christmas party for 800 special guests @ the Newton Marriot. It was a day of fun, family, Santa and total joy. Team ROAR was so successful with our fundraising...we were able to take the financial stress away for the families 2 weeks leading into Christmas, by taking care of their $12.00 per day parking rate. We also purchased gift cards for families struggling with financial needs during the holidays. They were able to fill their children's wish list, and under the tree Christmas morning presents were wrapped and ready to be enjoyed by special children. On this team we have riders who have lost family members to cancer, we have riders that are watching their young child struggle with cancer, and we have one rider who is conquered cancer for the fourth time. We have so many stories and yet we all share one crucial mission.
We are Reindeers on a Ride for Santa, for Joy, for Magic, and for Hope.
As captain of this team I am confident that our last year fundraising total of $190,000 will be blown away, and we will have a blast trying to do it!
I know first hand that seeing these beautiful children smile is truly and simply what it is all about.
We can't make the magic happen without your generosity, so please contribute in any way you can. Please join us @ our Team Fundraiser on Thursday May 12th. Kings in Dedham. A night of bowling, rafflle & auction items and of course a great deal of fun! If you would like any information on this fundraiser please email lisa_scherber@dfci.harvard.edu

Fondly,

Lisa Scherber
Director of Patient & Family Programs Dana Farber-Children's Hospital Cancer Center & Captain of the Reindeers :)